Dialkyl o[4.2.0.0(2,5).03,8.04,7]octane-1,4-dicarboxylates (where alky
l is methyl, iso-propyl, 2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl, or 2,2,2-trinitroe
thyl) were prepared in high yields by 0-alkylation of 1,4-cubanedicarb
oxylic acid with the corresponding monoalkyl sulfates.